Restorative dentistry in North Raleigh
Restore comfort, strength, and everyday function
When a tooth is damaged, painful, weakened, or missing, restorative care begins with understanding the cause and the choices available. Dr. Scanlan explains what she sees, what can be preserved, and which solution fits your needs.
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Restorative Care Starts with the Whole Picture
A damaged tooth, missing tooth, changing bite, gum concern, or sudden discomfort can affect eating, speaking, sleeping, and confidence. The first step is a careful evaluation of the problem and the health around it.
Whenever possible, we take a minimally invasive approach and preserve healthy tooth structure. When repair or replacement is needed, Dr. Scanlan explains the options, expected maintenance, and how each choice fits with the rest of your mouth.
Explore Restorative Services
Choose a service to learn what it addresses, how the visit works, and what you can expect from care.
Emergency Dental Care
Prompt evaluation for pain, swelling, injury, a broken tooth, or another urgent dental concern.
Explore Emergency Dental Care →Dental Bridges
A fixed option for replacing one or more missing teeth using neighboring teeth for support.
Explore Dental Bridges →Dental Crowns
Full-coverage restorations that protect and rebuild teeth affected by decay, damage, or limited remaining natural structure around an existing restoration.
Explore Dental Crowns →Dental Fillings
Conservative repair for cavities or limited damage when enough healthy tooth structure remains.
Explore Dental Fillings →Dentures
Full and partial tooth-replacement options planned for function, fit, appearance, and ongoing care.
Explore Dentures →Periodontal Treatment
Evaluation and treatment for inflamed or infected gums, including deep cleaning when clinically indicated.
Explore Periodontal Treatment →Pediatric Dentistry
Restorative evaluation and treatment for decay, damaged teeth, and other needs in children.
Explore Pediatric Dentistry →Implant Restoration
Restoration and ongoing care of dental implants after surgical placement by a trusted specialist.
Explore Implant Restoration →Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Phased planning when several teeth, the bite, and multiple types of restorative care must be considered together.
Explore Full Mouth Rehabilitation →A Plan Built Around Your Priorities
The best restorative choice depends on more than the tooth alone. We look at health, function, comfort, timing, maintenance, and your priorities before recommending care.
Understand the Cause
We evaluate why the problem developed so the plan addresses more than the visible damage.
Compare Appropriate Options
When more than one approach is reasonable, we explain the benefits, limitations, and long-term care of each.
Plan the Sequence
Urgent needs come first. More complex care can be organized in clear, manageable phases.
When Several Needs Overlap
Some restorative plans involve multiple teeth or collaboration with a specialist. Scanlan Family Dentistry remains part of your care before, during, and after a referral.
Phased Treatment
We can organize care around urgency, healing, function, and practical scheduling.
Specialist Collaboration
When specialty treatment is appropriate, we share relevant records and coordinate the next steps.
Ongoing Maintenance
Restorations and replacement teeth need professional monitoring and consistent home care over time.
Restorative Dentistry Questions
How do I know whether a tooth needs a filling or a crown?
The choice depends on how much healthy tooth remains, where the damage is located, the forces on the tooth, and the condition of any existing restoration. Dr. Scanlan will show you the findings and explain which options can provide appropriate support. Our guide to when a tooth needs a crown instead of a filling explains those structural considerations in more detail.
What should I do if I have sudden dental pain or swelling?
For difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, uncontrolled heavy bleeding, or serious facial or jaw injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department first. For other dental pain or localized swelling, call the office promptly; existing patients may use their direct line to Dr. Scanlan at any time.
Do you place dental implants?
Surgical implant placement is referred to a trusted specialist. Scanlan Family Dentistry remains involved in the plan and restores the implant with the visible replacement tooth after healing, then helps maintain it over time.
Can several restorative problems be treated in stages?
Yes. When multiple areas need care, Dr. Scanlan can prioritize active pain or infection, protect vulnerable teeth, and organize the remaining treatment into a sequence that is clinically sound and easier to manage.
Will a restored tooth feel exactly like a natural tooth?
The goal is comfortable, useful function and a restoration that fits naturally with your bite. Adjustment periods vary by treatment, and we want you to call or text us at (919) 977-1870 if a new restoration feels high, uncomfortable, or difficult to use.
Are there restorative services you refer to specialists?
Yes. Root canal therapy, surgical implant placement, complex impacted wisdom-tooth removal, and other specialty care are commonly referred when that is the best fit. We remain part of coordinated patient care by evaluating the concern, sharing records when authorized, and continuing restoration or maintenance afterward when appropriate.
Let’s Plan Your Visit
Tell us a little about the visit you need. Our care team will answer your questions and help you schedule with Dr. Scanlan. If a tooth is hurting or your concern is urgent, please call the office.